Become a More Optimistic You

"If it is a good morning, which I doubt." -Eeyore, Winnie the Pooh

I, like Eeyore, am not, by nature, an optimist. I see the worst-case scenario playing out. I do this to be pleasantly surprised by the outcome and not build up people's expectations. I would rather people be pleasantly surprised than disappointed.

And I have trained myself to be more optimistic. Why?

The studies show that more optimistic people have better results and excellent job satisfaction. They are also more resilient. You also have a more positive impact on the people you work with.

And while studies are great for validating approaches, I know from personal experience that being pessimistic at work was not helping my team or me. My team and management gave me feedback that my perspective and approach negatively impacted my team and career. Specifically, they told me that my team's engagement and morale suffered. I knew my attitude was unacceptable, and I needed to change how I approached the world.

While optimism has a genetic aspect, you can still train yourself to think more positively. Being optimistic does not mean looking at the world through unrealistic rainbow glasses. It only means you approach difficult situations more productively. An added benefit is that you will have less stress and anxiety.

‍Be aware of your and your clique's perspective.

If you believe your attitude impacts your career and the team's engagement, you first want to understand precisely how and when that attitude manifests and its impact. You can only make lasting changes if you know the behavior.

Also, look at the attitudes of the colleagues you hang out with at the office. People's perspectives are largely impacted by their work friends. The more negative your friends are, the more negative you are. If you realize they have negative attitudes, you want to be aware of it and ensure it does not infect you.

‍Here are a few ways to increase your optimism:

• Re-frame situations in a positive light
• Surround yourself with more positive influences
• Think of difficult times that you came through and how you benefited
• Think about times you thought an idea or project would fail, and it did not
• Keep a gratitude journal
• Appreciate what you can and cannot control
• Focus on how to solve the problem, not the problem itself
• Prepare for meetings with a positive bend- plan out your approach or view so it seems less negative
• Imagine how your life will be when you emerge successfully
• Act as your best self/leader would in the situation

I also recommend having an ally who will help you know what attitude you are relaying. This is someone who will tell you honestly whether you are being too negative. This person can also collaborate with you to view situations more positively and to enhance your communication approach and style.

Be kind to yourself during this process and understand that moving from the negative is a journey. It will not happen overnight, and there will be setbacks. However, you want to continue building your optimism muscle because you will have a more vital and engaged team and career.

‍

‍

‍

********************

Want more insights?

Sheila's new book, Rainmaker Power Moves, is officially available! Inside the pages, you’ll discover the tools and strategies to transform your legal expertise into a powerful presence that attracts new clients and turns existing clients into loyal advocates. If you haven’t picked up your copy yet, you can grab it here.

‍